In his Epistle, James’ (the Lord’s half-brother) admonished his readers to “count it all joy” when they encounter trials and difficulties. He understood these trying times fall to all of us from a loving heavenly Father whose purpose is to use them to produce the image of His Son in each of us. Hence, weContinue reading “Ask God!”
Tag Archives: Obedience
A Warning Against Contentious Behavior
The Apostle Paul thanked God greatly for the evident grace in the lives of the Corinthian believers (I Corinthians 1:4). Even so, as often is the case with every Christian, they had just as evident a need for correction as well. Consequently, Paul rebuked them for the contentions that had arisen among them as reportedContinue reading “A Warning Against Contentious Behavior”
Lovest Thou Me?
Those who are familiar with the account of our Lord’s passion are mindful that Peter denied the Lord three times the night our Lord was betrayed. Christ had foretold Peter that he would indeed “be offended because of me” though Peter denied it (Matthew 26:33-35). When it came to pass, Peter “wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).Continue reading “Lovest Thou Me?”
Faith Without Works
Christians believe that we are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This simple truth differentiates Christianity from all other religions. All other religions ultimately require something or rather some work on the part of their practitioner. That is, those religions require you to do something to earn eternal life. Not soContinue reading “Faith Without Works”
What It Means to Follow Christ
Following Christ is a joyful life, but it is not an easy life. It requires personal discipline to study his word, learn his ways, and walk in them. The Lord challenged his audience on one occasion, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and followContinue reading “What It Means to Follow Christ”
Saving Our Souls
James teaches us in his epistle that God uses His word to impart spiritual life. We read that “of his [God’s] own will begat he us with the word of truth” (James 1:18). James goes on to say to these born-again ones that this same word “is able to save your souls” (James 1:21), i.e.Continue reading “Saving Our Souls”
Stretch Forth Thy Hand!
Jesus had many encounters with the Jews’ religious leaders, the Pharisees, over their interpretations and applications of the Mosaic law. They had replaced the commandments of God with the traditions of men. Consequently, they were far from the truth. On one occasion the Lord came upon a man with a withered hand in one ofContinue reading “Stretch Forth Thy Hand!”